Rank: 5 out of 5
Chance The Rapper released his much anticipated third mixtape, “Coloring Book” Thursday. It was similar to the musical genius heard in Kanye West’s “The Life of Pablo”, while still unique, refreshing and powerful.
“Coloring Book” lived up to its name. The mixtape painted a vivid collection of artistry with each head-bobbing song. Chance featured artists such as Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Future and Lil Wayne, to name a few.
What came as a surprise for many was the gospel influence on a few of the tracks. “Finish Line/Drown” features T-Pain, Eryn Allen Kane, Noname and gospel artist Kirk Franklin. The song begins with a melodic and catchy tune and finishes with a classic gospel sound that would make any listener want to raise their arms in praise.
The gospel influence was also shown in “Blessings” and Chance’s inclusion of a classic Christian worship song, “How Great Is Our God,” in his song, “How Great.”
“Coloring Book” depicts a transformation of Chance as an artist and of himself. In “Same Drugs,” Chance sings to a girl from his childhood and asks what she did to come back to where they grew up.
Chance sings, “We don’t do the same drugs no more,” in reference to the two living different lifestyles, having different interests and growing apart.
Chance uses the concept of drug use also in “Smoke Break” to convey another message. In this song he talks about his new life with his baby and his baby’s mother and the transition the couple made.
“I’m always throwing on clothes/ She always throwing a fit/ We don’t got no time for sex/ I just put milk in the bowl,” Chance said.
Since his daughter’s birth in 2015, Chance has been very private about her and parenthood. “Smoke Break” was his first song opening up about parenthood to his fans. Along with parenthood being a change for Chance, fame has been an adjustment as well.
“All Night,” an upbeat dedication to people who want to give him attention because of his growing fame, is a summertime hit with its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus.
“Coloring Book” is a collection of honest, open, poetic, sentimental and humorous stories each displaying Chance’s growth as a man and artist. With this being his first mixtape since entering parenthood, his maturity is displayed with his changing focus being on God, his fans and his family.
This mixtape was his first mixtape to be commercially released while still free for fans to stream. After three years since his last mixtape “Acid Rap,” Chance’s artistry has only strengthened and expanded to reach new audiences.
“Coloring Book” was released as a two week Apple Music exclusive and can be streamed freely with an Apple Music subscription.